Get ready to strike those matches, because the Short North is about to smell a whole lot cooler. Local candlemaker The Candle Lab, which crafts natural soy candles in more than 100 uniquely piquant fragrances, will open a fourth Columbus location at 751 North High Street, in the old Zeta European Emporium space, in mid-to-late June.
The 920-square-foot Short North Candle Lab will carry the brand’s signature candles, reed diffusers, room and linen sprays, wax tarts, fragrance oils, body lotions, bath scrubs and salts, body mists, and bubble bath — all of which can be purchased pre-made or fully customized. It’ll feature a 12-seat fragrance bar where people can pour their own candles. And since the store will be managed by the dazzling Megan Green of Stinkybomb Soap, it’ll offer the complete line of Stinkybomb products. The shop will also sell items made by local artists and designers. All employees of the Short North Candle Lab will wear aprons stitched by AmyD.
“The Short North is the shopping and dining destination of Central Ohio,” said Steve Weaver, Co-Owner of The Candle Lab. “There are so many interesting businesses located in and around the Short North, and we wanted to be a part of that community.”
The collaboration that exists between Short North area businesses and community members is precisely what drew Steve and his wife, Katesha, who’s also a Co-Owner, to the area.
“The sheer quantity of restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries in the Short North provides an excellent evening out on the town,” he said. “Whether you’re doing date night or hanging out with friends, you can pour candles, grab dinner, and come back an hour later with your candles bagged up and ready to go.”
While Steve is a big proponent of supporting local businesses, he doesn’t want to shove that in your face. He believes in creating the best possible products whoever you are, and wherever you live.
“I don’t want anyone to buy our candles just because we’re local,” he said. “I want people to buy our candles because they’re better and healthier than the crappy ones sold at Yankee Candle and Wal-Mart.”
The Candle Lab’s goal is simple: To create the most natural candles possible. This is achieved by using natural soy wax and premium fragrance, and by ensuring that there are no metals, harmful chemicals, or additives in their wax, wicks, or fragrances.
“The real difference between us and the other guys is our fragrance,” Steve said. “We work hard to develop crisp, clean, and accurate scents that you just can’t find anywhere else. Then we invite our customers to combine what they like for a truly personalized candle.”
Scents are, after all, tied directly to the part of our brains that controls mood and memory. And everyone’s noses are different. So whether you like Campfire, Wasabi, or Tupelo Honey, The Candle Lab will connect you with your favorite smell.
“We have a candle called Dad’s Den, which smells like pipe tobacco,” Steve said. “We can always tell who had a father or grandfather that smoked a pipe by the way they react to that candle. It literally stops them in their tracks. I love that.”
The Candle Lab also has locations in Worthington, Grandview, and Powell. Visit thecandlelab.com for more information.
Alexandra Kelley is a featured writer for Columbus Underground.
